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This year marks 140 years of continual service to the community by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). In highlighting this milestone, let’s go back in time to one of its first leaders. In 1884 FRNSW was known as the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and whilst it was governed by a board, the chief firefighter in charge was known as the Superintendent and the first Superintendent was William Bear (1884-1898). Let’s take a look back at his history and his pivotal leadership which has s

This blog was written for History Week 2020 which looked at the oldest still in use fire station outside of Sydney. The Museum of Fire's Heritage Team would like to thank Orange Fire Brigade and the local community for their support of History Week 2020. It was in December 1868 that steps were taken by Orange Council to establish a local Fire Brigade. The records are sketchy but by February 1869 a Brigade had been formed as they wrote to Council seeking financial assistance t

*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the history of Warrawong Fire Brigade. Should you wish to use any of the information and pictures provided we ask that you please reference the Museum correctly and contact the Museum for permission where applicable. The Establishment of a Fire Brigade in Port Kembla/Warrawong The present-day area of Port Kembla and Warrawong historically remained largely un-develo

The Medal for Conspicuous Bravery was instituted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of New South Wales on 15 September 1932 and is awarded for deeds of conspicuous bravery and gallantry performed on active firefighting service by members of the NSW Fire Brigades (now Fire & Rescue NSW) by saving or endeavouring to save life and property. F. Braund and Co. Fire Armidale, 18 May 1932. The medal was instituted in response to actions taken during a fire at Armidale, NSW. The Meda

This year for 2024 our Vehicle of the Year is the 1984 Centenary Vehicle, an International 1810C pumper more colloquially and favourably known as the ‘White Knight’. As the name suggests this fire engine was originally commissioned and installed in 1984 to celebrate the centenary of the Fire Brigade (known as the New South Wales Fire Brigade, NSWFB, now better known as Fire and Rescue NSW, FRNSW). This pumper stood out for one major reason, that being its colour! The White Kn

*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the history of Singleton Fire Station. Should you wish to use any of the information and pictures provided we ask that you please reference the Museum correctly and contact the Museum for permission where applicable. The Singleton Volunteer Fire Brigade On Friday 16 April 1886, a public meeting was held at the Singleton Municipal Council Chambers to discuss taking

By the 1930s the automobile market witnessed a shift with ‘small’ trucks being desired and possessing more power. Dennis, a prominent vehicle manufacturer ran the risk of falling behinds its opposition until it developed a revolutionary chassis that was 2 tonne capacity and offered unusual features for the time such as a setback front axle and hydraulic brakes. Reports of the time touted this as a “funny looking truck” and as a “courageous disregard of recognised practices” b

As we enter a new year there is much to look forward to at the Museum. These school holidays are already very busy with extra weekday fire engine rides available thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. The 2023 Art Competition Exhibit has also opened and will remain on show throughout the summer. The 2023 theme was “rescue”, and the caliber of entries was very high which has made the judging process very difficult. The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held la

This week marks thirty years since what has become known as the 1994 Eastern Seaboard Fires. At the time these were the most ferocious fires NSW had seen in approximately 20 years. Please note that the terminology used in this brief recap of the 1994 bushfire emergency is reflective of the vernacular used at the time of the incident. In some places modern language has been adapted, however for the most part the terms use reflects what was colloquial in 1994. Fire in Bungoona

As we reflect on the last twelve months and all that we’ve achieved at the Museum we thought we’d take one last walk down memory lane for 2023 and throw it back ten years to 2013. In 2013 four Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) fire brigades saw the completion of building works and the commencement of operations out of new stations. These were: Jerilderie (officially opened 5 November, the brigade dates back to 1898) Coolamon (officially opened 6 November, the brigade dates back to